Initial Posting Date:

08/17/2026

Application Deadline:

09/02/2026

Agency:

Forestry Department

Salary Range:

$4,717 - $7,205

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Wildland Fire Dispatcher 2 - Lead Dispatch - Limited Duration

Job Description:

Welcome to the Oregon Department of Forestry

Our Mission – To protect and promote resilient forests that benefit all Oregonians.

This is a Limited duration appointment, that is expected to end on or before 6/30/2027. Limited duration appointments are benefits eligible and have a designated maximum length of service. This position has the potential to become permanent and may be extended due to business need.

Please note: Employees currently serving in a seasonal position who apply for and are selected for this limited‑duration role will relinquish their rights to return to their seasonal position.

Note: This position is not eligible for Remote or Hybrid work. This position requires consistent in‑office attendance to support daily dispatch operations.

The Benefits of Joining Our Team

Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, competitive benefits packages and so much more. Great Benefits Package - watch this video here. You’ll be part of the ODF team that serves our fellow Oregonians relying on regulation and protection of both public and private forest land in our great state of Oregon!​ Click here.

What we are looking for:

This role supports the Dispatch Supervisor in coordinating daily operations for the South Cascade District Dispatch Center. This position leads day‑to‑day dispatch activities, ensures proper coverage, provides technical guidance to dispatch staff, and serves as a key liaison between ODF Protection, Admin Units, and partner agencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily dispatch operations, delegate tasks, and support seasonal and backup dispatchers.
• Receive and evaluate fire/smoke reports, determine jurisdiction, and dispatch initial attack resources.
• Manage multiple incidents, providing critical information to responders and fire managers.
• Order and track resources using Fireweb, CAD, IROC, AVL, AFF, and radio systems.
• Assist with prevention education, fire season preparation, communication of closures, and tracking public reports.
• Prepare end‑of‑season reports and contribute data to internal and external partners.
• Assist with cost recovery documentation, fire reports, incident cost estimates, and investigation packet initiation.
• Maintain dispatch procedures, contact lists, aviation hazard guides, and radio frequency materials.
• Provide support for resources seeking Incident Resource Agreements.
• Provide occasional administrative support (finance, FERNS, Smoke Management, procurement, travel support, front desk and customer service work).
• Coordinate ordering of fire supplies for the district and neighboring areas.

Minimum Qualifications:

Three years of public contact experience, which included gathering, relaying, and providing information to others and evaluating activities or incidents and determining an appropriate course of action. One year of this experience must have included using radio equipment, telephone, or computer in an emergency-type environment; OR

Two years of full-time experience working as a first responder in emergency services or as an emergency dispatcher.

Note: Driver’s License Check – This position requires the operation of a state vehicle for official State business. As part of the hiring process, the agency uses Advanced Reporting LLC to conduct all required DMV and CDL driving‑record checks. Advanced Reporting LLC will obtain and review the driving record for the top candidate to verify possession of a valid license and an acceptable driving record.

Desired Skills:

• Wildland Fire Dispatch Expertise – Ability to apply emergency dispatch policies, use multi‑channel radios, and manage urgent communications.
• Calm, Effective Decision‑Making Under Stress – Skilled at prioritizing and making operational decisions during high‑pressure, multi‑incident situations.
• Clear and Professional Communication – Strong verbal and written communication skills, including editing and conveying critical information.
• Leadership & Training Ability – Experience mentoring, training, and guiding dispatch and support staff.
• Strong Organizational & Technical Skills – Ability to coordinate multiple tasks, maintain detailed documentation, and quickly learn and use various computer systems.

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How to Apply:

• Cover letter and resume are both required - Failure to submit the required cover letter or resume will remove your application from consideration. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
• In your Cover letter please explain how you meet the Minimum qualification in detail and desired 5 skills listed above individually. Failure to explain each skill may prevent you from moving forward.
• Current State of Oregon employees – You must apply through your employee Workday account.
• Please ensure the work history in your applicant profile is up to date.
• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.
• Your submitted experience fields or attached resume must include dates (MM/YYYY) for each employer.

Salary determination:

Per the Pay Equity Law passed in 2017, a pay equity analysis for starting salary will be conducted to determine what pay step the successful candidate will be offered. The analysis will be based on the submitted materials at the time of application. No other documents will be accepted after submission of application. Please include any relevant information and materials you wish to be considered.

Additional Details:

• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies. This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
• If you have questions about this position, please contact Hiring Manager: renae.d.meyer@odf.oregon.gov
• Relocation assistance may be available per agency policy 40.055.10 for current or recalled employees or 40.055.20 for new employees. Please discuss details with the hiring manager during the recruitment process.
• The Oregon Department of Forestry does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODF will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.
• Veterans - Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. After you have applied you will be sent a task in your Workday account to provide your veteran documentation at that time. For further information, please see the following website: Veterans Resources.
• If you have questions about the job announcement, or need an alternate format to apply, please contact christopher.l.fisher@odf.oregon.gov

ODF is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other class protected by state or federal laws in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring, and employment practices.